You are only given one chance to make a first impression. If that is true then It’s a good bet that first impressions are also the most lasting. Which I couldn’t agree more. You never know what you missed until it’s gone is another thought that comes to mind.
In all my years of traveling and in the many mornings while I have sat sipping a cup of coffee and trading expereinces and tales with locals at Harley Davidson Dealership throughout the country. I had assumed it was like that at every Harley Davidson Dealership anywhere, or so I thought.
I had awakened on this particular morning to find myself in another state on another journey traveling once again cross country. I was on the road touring, and I was traveling alone.
The sun hadn’t shown itself yet. Although there was no denying that it was daylight.
My blood shot eyes hurt and I had a pasty film on my tongue that was so bad it actually felt as if I had eaten bugs during the night.. The taste, as well as my breath wasn’t pleasant.
The weather had been excellant the previous day and I had enjoyed having been in the saddle riding for nearly twelve (12) hours straight when I had pulled over an slept on what I’ll refer to as a very comfortable park bench. Only to have been awakened this morning by the sounds of semi trucker drivers starting their rigs as they headed out onto the highways at the start of their day. It felt like I had only taken a brief nap.
A heavy fog hung low and hadn’t lifted, plus there was a rather cool nip in the air as I wiped off the dew from the windshield of my dresser, and then pulled out my road atlas. I didn’t want to be wasting a lot of time especially when I seen I had at least fifty miles to ride before my first cup of coffee which would be at the nearest Harley Dealership.
Everyone who rides any distance knows you need to be aware and have your wits about you. A cup of Harley Davidson Coffee would be just the thing to do the trick.
My only thoughts were more focused now more then ever on getting a cup of joe and I had placed that coffee as the number one item on my agenda topping the days list of priorities, since I had a lot of distance to ride that day before I would be able to sleep again.
Everyone should know that not all dealerships are created the same or are in anyway “equal”, Harley Davidson dealerships especially. You can’t imagine my frustration and disappointment at having to learn that first hand.
In all my years of riding, and to any of the dealerships that I had ever been to, in my past, including those that I have had work done on my motorcycle from, to any of the others I may have stopped at just to visit,or buy T-shirts or even perhaps pick up a quart of oil from, until now and up until this very morning, the morning of all mornings when the necessity and desire to have a cup of Harley Coffee had surpassed all else.
It had been one of the smallest, single and simplest things every Harley Davidson Dealers had in common up until this time, ever since I can remember was they all served coffee, Either the finest or equally as good as Harley Davidson Coffee.
To describe this rather unique beverage would be to say it’s a deep dark and 60 weight crude. That it has been a staple and has been served to many a rider (although usually in very small cups) in the waiting areas or “service lounges” all across this nation while their machines were being serviced mechanically maintained or repaired.
Harley Davidson Coffee may not be served in fine coffee houses with expensive latte’s and the like but its function is secure as a heavy premium coffee.
So it came as a real shock to me, I suppose because I had assumed on my way there with my imagination running wild , that I would be sipping a cup of this acquired taste distinctive brew.
I anticipated laughing as I would share some wisdom of my travel with the locals. Since riding alone you often seek out conversation, especially when your own starts to become dull.
I became rather disappointed to find out about this particular dealership when I asked about the coffee claimed that they didn't ever bother with it. This saddened me. Out of the blue I had lost my appetite for Harley trinkets and the dealership’s boutique. Now I felt un-welcomed.
I know that it’s not a “requirement” by any means. There is no “LAW’ saying that Harley Davidson dealerships are required to provide this beverage. Perhaps I was just spoiled to the thought of it being readily available at any other Harley Davidson dealer before and suddenly not, now unconceavable.
But then I began to think: Was this a dream or some new way of life? Was I in the mist of things changing? Were the traditions and the days when riding motorcycles to a dealership in any part of the country different then they are now? Was this just one more thing to come for dealerships in the future?
I shook my head in disgust. This wasn’t just a tradition, but a custom. In this case it wasn’t just an oversight. It was deliberate and it felt rather insulting. Kind of like a slap to the face to any touring motorcyclist.
I quietly got back on my bike and with my head bowed in disbelief, turned my Electra Glide Classic around and headed back a few miles to the last fuel/convenience quick stop that I had passed on the way. I stopped and went inside and bought a cappuccino, but it just didn’t satisfy me like a cup of the Harley Coffee could have that morning.
Oh sure you could say: “You don’t go to a Harley Davidson dealership for a cup of coffee.” Well I tend to agree, at least not the one in Xenia, Ohio anyway.
Rather then this becoming the norm I find it necessary to share this with others. So if you think the coffee is bad at your dealership be assured its better then none at all. Otherwise I doubt that I ever have the “need” to go back to a Harley Dealer for Harley Coffee it’s not just for service calls anymore.
Perhaps I am overacting, but I don’t think so. This wasn't a fluke, I returned more than a year later. The results were the same. Sometimes a tradition is just what it is, you don’t always get courtesy.
I just tend to believe that the whole town lost its creditablity as well as should be ashamed of its claim to hospitality because of this one business. It would be very difficult for me to change my mind.
X maybe the spot for the ABC's of Touring, because it certainly is NOT for coffee.
